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ASU BICYCLE MASTER PLAN
Urban and Environmental Planning Master’s Degree Program
Capstone Class
Spring Semester, 2015
Class Participants:
Juan Aguilar Mengy ao Cheng Ry an McCann
Hasaan Alahdal Joshua Grandlienard Andrew McIntyre
Mawdhah Al Hashemi Y uhan Huang Matthew Messina
Ramon Aranki Kelley Kirtley Benjamin Miller
Ly le Begiebing Jessica Koon Kevin Ray es
Ariane Burson Chuleiy i Li Thomas Spencer
Lauren Campbell Ruoxi Li Rui Wen
Instructor: Aaron Golub
T eaching Assistant: Shawn Monk
Project Advisor: Donna Lewandowski
1
Purpose Statement
As a sustainable mode of transportation, bicycling fits well into ASU’s sustainability
plan. Bicycling’s minimal infrastructure, energy use and convenience make it the ideal
form of transportation to and from campus.
This plan seeks to explicitly outline policies and procedures that will encourage
students, faculty and staff to consider bicycling not only as a viable transportation
option, but as the preferred one.
Equity Statement
The overarching goal of this plan is to ensure equity in the bicycle program across all
ASU campuses, for all ethnicities, ages and genders, and between students, staff, faculty
and visitors.
Plan Philosophy:
In order to ensure that all aspects of the university’s bicycling environment are
considered in the plan, we have decided to adopt The League of American Bicyclists’
(LAB) “Essential Elements of a Bicycle Friendly America” as key aspects of our plan.
These essential elements – known as the 5 E’s – allow us to assess and strengthen each
campuses’ bicycling community in a holistic way, as the elements are all inter-connected
and no single element can stand alone. An important and innovative aspect of our plan
is that it integrates LAB’s “Equity Initiative” into this list of essential e lements as the
sixth “E”. The 6 E’s are as follows:
1. Engineering
2. Education
3. Encouragement
4. Enforcement
5. Evaluation & Planning
6. Equity
2
How does this document integrate with other planning efforts at ASU and
surrounding communities?
This document represents ASU’s first Bicycle Master Plan, but it was designed to align
with previously-published university plans as well as municipal transportation plans.
These plans include:
● Arizona State University Master Plan (2011)
● Arizona State University Campus Access Plan (2012)
● Arizona State University Carbon Neutrality Action Plan (2009)
● Arizona State University Strategic Plan for Sustainable Practices and Operations
(2011)
● Tempe Transportation Master Plan (2015)
● City of Phoenix Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan (2014)
● Glendale Transportation Plan (2009)
● Mesa Bicycle Master Plan (2012)
The goals, objectives and strategies presented in this plan support those outlined in
previous plans. This plan offers new recommendations, but acknowledges the
importance of executing those presented in previous plans. The following objectives and
strategies (taken from previous plans) specifically support this plan’s goals and require
continued recognition and endorsement if they are to be realized.
From the ASU Master Plan:
Consolidate bike racks/storage areas to designated locations at the edge of the
Pedestrian Safety Zone [Walk-Only Zone] and use first-floor areas of select
parking garages for bike parking where possible.
● Invest in new bike storage systems for more efficient storage and security, as well
as higher capacity.
● Enforce bike parking in designated areas during Pedestrian Safety [Walk-Only
Zone] hours.
● Require/encourage bike registration to reduce theft
● Participate in a regional or campus-wide bicycle sharing program.
From ASU Carbon Neutrality Action Plan:
● Reduce total commuter emissions by 50 percent through alternative
transportation (expanded U-Pass usage, bicycle options, and Enterprise CarShare
membership).
● Implement a ban on campus parking for freshman students who reside on
campus.
3
From City of Phoenix Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan:
● The Phoenix Street Transportation Department should partner with the
Downtown Phoenix Partnership and representatives of the ASU Downtown
campus and Valley Metro to explore improvements in the bicycle network, bicycle
connections and parking facilities in the downtown area, and identify optimal
Bike Share station locations. These same agencies should partner to promote and
educate new users when the Bike Share becomes available to the public.
From Glendale Transportation Plan:
Enhance bicycle facilities, programs and services throughout the city.
Provide a continuous bicycle system to ensure access to all parts of the city as well
as connectivity to the regional bicycle and trail system.
Strive to make Glendale a bicycle friendly city with facilities designed for cyclists
of all skill levels.
When feasible, provide grade separations and separate bicycle facilities.
Encourage bicycle supportive amenities including secure bicycle parking, such as
racks and lockers, and bicycle facilities on transit.
From Mesa Bicycle Master Plan:
Increase bicycle mode share for all trips to work and school in Mesa within the
life of the plan
Improve safety of bicyclists throughout Mesa, reducing the rate of bicycle related
crashes by one-third by the year 2022
Develop and implement the League of American Bicyclists’ 5 E’s of a bicycle
friendly community: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Encouragement, and
Evaluation.
Achieve Silver, then Gold, and then Platinum bicycle friendly community status
by the year 2022.
Establish capital and operating budgets for the city’s bicycle program at a level to
accomplish these goals by 2022.
4
Campus Overview
5
In January 2015, the Urban and Environmental Planning Master’s Program capstone
class began the process of creating Arizona State University’s first Bicycle Master Plan.
During the spring semester of 2015 the class conducted extensive outreach and data
gathering on each of the four campuses’ current cycling conditions. For a detailed
description of the outreach on each campus, see Appendix A.
Tempe Campus
At a Glance:
Emerging bicycle culture
Currently rated Gold by League of American Bicyclists
Demand for improved bicycle infrastructure and access
Bicycle theft a major concern for cyclists
Bicyclists unaware of available amenities and services
Bicycle Infrastructure:
Bicycle valet
o Three stations on campus
o Able to accommodate 500 bicycles
o Free of charge
Four bicycle fix-it stations
Card-access secured bike parking facilities
o Four facilities on campus
Shared-lane markings on all campus roads
Bike boxes at major ASU Tempe campus intersections
Bike lanes on major roads that run through campus
Contra-flow bike lane on a road that is one-way for vehicular travel
Marked shared bike paths
Bike co-op
Walk-Only Zone:
The Walk-Only Zone (WOZ) is an area exclusively for pedestrians in the center of the
campus. It is meant to reduce the number of on-campus collisions.
Culture:
Bicycle culture on and around the Tempe campus continues to grow.
More students are choosing bicycles as their transportation mode.
ASU at the Tempe campus is one of only 12 universities recognized as a Gold-
level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists.
6
The Tempe campus is host to several bicycle-affiliated clubs and programs,
including the following:
o ASU Cycling Club
o ASU Bicycle Coalition
o ASU Wheel Devils
o ASU Electric Bike Club
o ASU Bike Co-Op
o Tempe Bicycle Action Group
o ASU Triathlon Club
7
Tempe Campus Bike Map:
8
Downtown Phoenix Campus
At a Glance:
The dense urban environment in which the Downtown Phoenix campus is
situated makes safety a top priority for bicyclists and pedestrians
ASU administration and the City of Phoenix are eager to improve bicycle
ridership rate and riding experience
High theft rates deter people from riding
Lack of bicycle facility connectivity between ASU properties
Bicycle Infrastructure:
Bicycle Co-Op
Bicycle fix-it stations
GRiD Bike Share stations within walking distance of campus
Card-access secured bike parking facility
Culture:
Overall lack of bicycle culture
Students feel bicycling is unnecessary; transit center is located in close proximity
to campus
Bicyclists are unaware of available amenities
Downtown Sub-Campuses
Mercado
A subsection of the Downtown Phoenix campus located between Van Buren and
Monroe and 5th and 7th St.
Close proximity to main Downtown Phoenix campus – relatively easy access by
collector streets.
o Bike parking available
Art Studio Annex
A subsection of the campus, located at the southwest corner of Grant and 7th
Street.
o Lack of safe routes
o Bike parking available
9
Downtown Campus Bike Map:
10
West / Thunderbird Campuses
West
At a Glance:
Compact campus layout makes bicycling unnecessary
Commuter campus; most students do not live on campus
½ mile from Arizona Canal Multi-Use Trail
Administration is eager to implement policies to encourage bicycle use
Bicycle Infrastructure:
Current bicycle infrastructure is insufficient to support future growth/demand
Bike paths connecting campus east 43r d Avenue and to west to 51st Avenue.
Three-mile bike path around campus
Culture:
Lack of culture/demand
Administration is eager to implement policies to encourage bicycle use
Thunderbird
No safe and comfortable bicycle routes between West and Thunderbird campuses
Thunderbird bicycle demand is for short local trips
Several bikes are available to students through their bike share program
11
West Campus Bike Map:
12
Polytechnic Campus
At a Glance:
Small yet developing bicycle community
Students like walking due to compact campus design
Lack of bicycle parking facilities
Theft is not a major concern
Bicycle Infrastructure:
Bicycle Co-Op
All roads have bike lanes or are shared neighborhood roads
Shared bike paths with speed limit posted
Major surrounding roads all have bike lanes
Watch for Bike signs posted on major roads
Culture:
Exemplary Bike Co-Op
High bicycle ridership
Strong bicycling community
Example of Polytechnic’s multi-use paths
13
Polytechnic Campus Bike Map:
14
Goals & Objectives
15
Goal 1
Foster a community that embraces bicycle culture at ASU
Objective 1: Create more opportunities for bicyclists to become involved at
ASU
Suggested Strategies:
Create an ASU Bike Month during fall semester (October)
Hold a Bike-to-School Day during ASU Bike Month
Collaborate with on- and off-campus clubs and organizations to offer bike tours
on and around campus to let people learn to enjoy bicycling
Work with local municipal bike organizations to hold bike races/events
Develop opportunities to participate in bicycle advocacy on bicycle rules/laws
Develop an incentive program that rewards people for riding their bikes
Design gifts and souvenirs that encourage riding to sell or distribute during bike-
related events
Suggested Metrics:
Number of participants in Bike Day/Bike Month activities
Number of collaborative bike events held and their participation rates each year
Number of incentives, rewards, gifts and souvenirs given away each semester
Objective 2: Engage more people by sharing relatable stories of bicycling’s
potential
Suggested Strategies:
Posters around campus to show some encouraging quotes for bicycling
Videos/digital stories of personal bicycle stories
Hold a digital storytelling workshop to help students/staff/faculty tell their own
cycling stories in an impactful way
Suggested Metrics:
Number of bicycling posters hung and maintained around campus
Number of participants in discussion groups/online forums each session
Number of videos or digital stories produced
16
Objective 3: Introduce the community to our bicycle-related data and
educate them about the importance of the data/results
Suggested Strategies:
Create a bicycle-specific Twitter feed and Facebook page (or their social media
equivalents) to keep interested community members informed of bicycle
information
Use bicycle program website to display progress on bike theft reduction, bicycle
crash reduction and bike mode share increases
Continue to collaborate with Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and
Tempe Bicycle Action Group (TBAG) to maintain and gather bicycle count data
Suggested Metrics:
Number of social media accounts created (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
Frequency of posts on accounts
Number of followers on social media accounts
Frequency with which the bicycle program website is updated
Whether data is gathered and maintained with MAG & TBAG each year
Objective 4: Engage non-bicyclists in understanding and embracing
bicyclist culture and behavior
Suggested Strategies:
Educate all incoming students (freshmen and transfer) by incorporating a section
about bicycle culture and behavior (drivers and bicyclists) into:
o ASU-101 classes
o Freshman orientations
o Graduate orientations
o International orientations
Encourage non-cyclists to take bicycle safety classes by offering discount on
parking passes, a few free parking days, or dismissal of first parking offense
Work with the campus police to ensure that the bicycle infractions that are being
enforced are the most dangerous ones
Increase support of bicyclists by trip reduction survey respondents
o Include a question in the annual trip reduction survey regarding drivers’
perceptions of bicyclists’ behavior and sharing the road
17
Suggested Metrics:
Number of incoming students captured in incoming student bicycle education
each semester
Number of non-cyclists participating in bicycle safety classes for incentive
rewards each semester
Number of bicycle infractions enforced that compromise the safety of bicyclists
and other mode users, versus those that don’t, each semester
Whether drivers’ perceptions of bicyclists becomes increasingly favorable each
year
Objective 5: Increase bicycle mode share by 2% each year at ASU
Suggested Strategies:
Enact positive reinforcement strategy program that rewards those who shift from
driving to bicycling
o “Bicyclist of the Month” awards
o Collaborate with “Don’t Drive 1-in-5” program to increase staff bicycle
mode share
Suggested Metrics:
Estimated number of staff participants in “Don’t Drive 1 -in-5” program
18
Goal 2
Create an environment where bicycling is a viable mode of
transportation.
Objective 1: Develop fully connected networks of bicycle-safe streets or
paths surrounding each campus
Suggested Strategies:
Tempe Campus
o Provide bicycle routes around Walk-Only Zones on campus
o Convert on-campus bike lanes to shared-lane markings with advanced
bike boxes at major intersections at campus boundaries
West Campus/Thunderbird
o Connect West campus and Thunderbird campus with potential bicycle
routes to commute between campuses safely by bicycle
o Recommend improvements on potential bicycle roads surrounding
campus to improve safety and comfort
o Add bicycle lanes on campus roads to connect incoming bike routes
o Create ample signage for proposed bike paths between ASU and
Thunderbird
Downtown Phoenix Campus
o Corridors connecting three detached parcels in ASU Downtown Phoenix
campus, including 1st Street between Fillmore Street and Grant Street;
Central Avenue between Fillmore Street and Grant Street; 3rd Street
between Fillmore St and Grant St; 7th Avenue between Monroe St and
Grant St; Monroe St between Central Ave and 7th St; Grant St between
Central Ave and 7th St; 2nd St between Fillmore St and Jefferson St;
Washington St between Central Ave and 7th St; and Jefferson St between
Central Ave and 7th St.
o Create better traffic calming techniques for 1st Street between Margaret T.
Hance and East Buckeye Road
o Create motor-free zone on Taylor Street between 1st Street and 2nd Street
o Daytime closure to vehicles at the intersection of Taylor & 1st streets
Polytechnic Campus
o Provide bicycle access to future developments on campus and maintain
connectivity already present on campus
o Create bicycle lanes and sharrows on campus roads
o Make the connected bicycle paths accessible to everyone
19
Suggested Metrics:
Assess network connectivity on and between all four campuses
Document whether the suggested improvements on each campus are
implemented and maintained
Document whether infrastructure is proportional, equally distributed, and
accessible to all
Objective 2: Reduce bicycle theft on all ASU campuses
Suggested Strategies:
Increase bicycle registration rates on campus
o Create flyers with facts about the benefits of bicycle registration
o Provide incentives for people who register their bicycles
o Put information on My ASU splash page and banners
Teach the community about the tools and techniques to properly lock their
bicycles
Inform the community about various resources to park your bicycle (e.g. bike
valet, card-access parking)
Build more individual bicycle lockers on campus to reduce number of bicycles
brought into classrooms
Expand bicycle valet services to all ASU campuses as student population requires
Install underground bicycle parking facility (DPC and Tempe Campuses)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcZSU40RBrg)
Increase campus surveillance around bicycle parking
Create additional lighting at bicycle parking to improve security
Build card-access parking facilities on all ASU campuses
Continue and build upon the spring 2015 bicycle theft study by business analytics
students
Work with campus police to utilize the data gathered in the bike theft study to
target their patrol efforts and bait bike program more effectively
Increase the number of bicycle thefts that are reported to ASU police
Suggested Metrics:
Number of bicycles newly registered each semester
Number and type of outreach regarding proper bicycle locking and bicycle
facilities on campus
Number of new card-access storage facilities, bike valets, and underground
parking units installed each semester
20
Number of new lights installed and maintained per bicycle parking facility
Number of bicycle parking facilities with security cameras installed and
maintained
Document whether all campuses have secure bicycle parking facilities
Document whether the bicycle theft study is continued and police efforts are
included
Objective 3: Help bicyclists at ASU navigate campus
Suggested Strategies:
Provide printed and digital bicycle maps for each ASU campus
Develop a cell phone application to find the best bicycle routes on campus and
different bicycle facilities on campus
Develop and maintain wayfinding signage throughout all campuses
o Include map of campus and surrounding roads, bicycle amenities, and
Facebook/orgsync links for more bicycle information
Educate Walk-Only Zone ambassadors about bicycle routes, amenities and
campus riding laws
Ensure that maps/signage/education materials are easy to locate, read and
understand for all ages/cultures
Evaluate connections between campus malls and roadway entries into campus
Suggested Metrics
Number of paper copies given out, and number of downloaded copies of bicycle
maps for each campus
Confirm that a bicycle route app is made and kept up-to-date
Number of wayfinding signs hung and maintained on each campus
Number of hours of bicycling education Walk-Only Zone ambassadors receive
Objective 4: Provide convenient access to bicycles
Suggested Strategies:
Create access to a bicycle share program - stations located on and around
campuses including transit stations
Work with local bike shops to support their bicycle rental and buy -back programs
Provide multi-day bicycle rentals on all campuses
Hold bicycle sales at the beginning of every semester on all ASU campuses
21
Create a bicycle recycle program to provide inexpensive bicycles for students to
purchase
Provide bicycle rental options for various levels of income
Suggested Metrics
Frequency of use of bike share programs by ASU students, staff and faculty
Number of bicycles rented or buy-back program bicycles sold through
collaborative bike shops each semester
Number of bicycles rented through campus bicycle rental programs per
applicable rental period
The number of bicycles sold at bicycle sales held on all ASU campuses each
semester
Number of bicycles recycled for student purchase each semester
Determine if there is a tiered rental pricing scheme for bike share, and how often
it is utilized
Objective 5: Provide end-of-trip resources to serve bicyclists
Suggested Strategies:
Ensure that signage at end-of-trip facilities is visible and easy to find
Increase the number of showers on campus for members of the ASU community
who commute by bicycle
o Improve marketing of current shower locations
Provide the equal amount of end-of-trip services for each campus based upon the
number of students that ride on campus
Improve links between bicycle parking and public transit stations
o Improved bicycle parking on Forest Avenue (near shuttle stop)
o Work with the local jurisdictions to provide more secure bicycle parking at
public transit stations
Increase the amount of bicycle parking spaces on all campuses and distribute
according to usage
Adopt a policy to include secure bicycle parking with all new construction
Suggested Metrics
Assess the visibility of signage for end-of-trip facilities
Number of showers and the spread of their distribution around each campus
Whether there is a proportionate distribution of end-of-trip facilities on each
campus for each campus’ ridership
22
Number of links between bicycle parking and transit stations, or number of
bicycle parking at transit stations, installed and maintained
Number of new bicycle parking spaces installed and maintained on each campus
each semester
Number of bicycle parking spaces installed and maintained per each newly
constructed building or facility on each campus
Objective 6: Provide convenient ways for bicyclists to maintain their
bicycles in good riding condition
Suggested Strategies:
Improve Bike Co-Ops to provide the same level of service across all campuses
Provide professional bicycle repair service on campus
Install more bike fix-it stations and place them in popular bicycle parking areas
o Regularly monitor and repair fix-it stations
o Place fix-it stations near bike valet entrances
o Place fix-it stations within card-access bike cages
Make visible signage of bike fix-it stations and co-ops
Increase frequency of bicycle maintenance class and offer them on all ASU
campuses
Suggested Metrics
Assess the level of service offered by bicycle co-ops at all campuses
Number of fix-it stations installed and maintained, and the spread of their
distribution around each campus
Assess the visibility of signage for fix-it stations and co-ops
Number of bicycle maintenance classes offered on each campus, each semester
o Number of participants
Objective 7: Increase the knowledge base of ASU community about bicycle
laws and safe riding practices
Suggested Strategies:
Create a robust offering of classes in bicycle safety, best riding practices and
techniques, utilizing TS101 curriculum
Distribute more advertisements about current bicycle related classes
23
Make it a requirement for those in their freshman year to take a bicycle related
course, to include bicycle laws, safe riding practices, campus policies, and driving
alongside bicyclists
Provide signs and posters that educate about bicycle laws and safety
Create an incentive program that rewards cyclists for obeying the law and riding
safely
Targeted enforcement in specific areas, especially in high areas of “improper” or
dangerous behavior
Initiate a two-week “grace period” at the beginning of each semester for bicyclists
who break campus laws
o Instruct students on the proper behavior
o Develop a positive relationship with campus enforcers
Suggested Metrics
Number of bicycle safety classes offered on each campus, each semester
Number of different types of classes offered
Number of participants per class
Number of bicycle safety and bicycle law signs hung and maintained on each
campus
Number of rewards given for safe bicycling incentive programs on each campus,
each semester
Number of “free-pass” educational warnings given to bicyclists during the two-
week “grace period” at the beginning of each semester, on each campus
Objective 8: Educate ASU community about bicycling events and resources
Suggested Strategies:
Update and promote the bike.asu.edu website
Post information on websites, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media
platforms to reach student population about classes
Promote information about bicycle classes and “Get to Know Your Campus by
Bike” tours to international student organizations
Engage residence halls to spread the word about classes
Post information about bicycle classes at bicycle racks
Hand out information at bicycle events, wellness events, bicycle sales and bicycle
shops
Text bicycle related workshops/events to interested parties through an opt-in text
message system
24
Suggested Metrics
Number of social media platform posts about classes offered
Number of promotional programs implemented
Number of students participating in the “Get to Know Your Campus by Bike”
tours
Number of bicycle racks with bicycle class information posted
Number of residence halls collaborating to inform students of classes
Number of organizations reached out to
Number of bicycle related ASU Text Message Alert texts sent each semester
Objective 9: Eliminate infrastructure that is unsafe for bicyclists on ASU
campuses
Suggested Strategies:
Create a reporting form on the bike.asu.edu for bicyclists to report unsafe
conditions
Implement a safety ride on each campus every semester/yearly
Suggested Metrics
Number of unsafe conditions reported through the bike.asu.edu reporting form
Number of safety ride participants on each campus, each semester
25
Goal 3
Make bicycling a top priority among decision makers on all ASU
campuses.
Objective 1: Achieve Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly University status for
all ASU campuses
Suggested Strategies:
Apply for Bicycle Friendly status for Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic and West
campuses
Re-apply to upgrade Tempe’s status to Platinum
Educate campus decision-makers about the benefits ASU receives from this
designation
Install Bicycle Friendly University designation signs on Tempe Campus and other
campuses as they achieve designation
Suggested Metrics
The Bicycle Friendly status of each campus
Number of campus decision-makers reached out to regarding the benefits of
Bicycle Friendly designation
Number of Bicycle Friendly designation signs installed and maintained on each
campus
Objective 2: Foster collaboration between ASU organizations, community
organizations and municipalities’ bicycle programs
Suggested Strategies:
Invite all bicycle-related organizations on campus and in the community to
meetings held each semester to facilitate their cooperation and discuss bicycle
programs
Improve ASU’s relationship with local planning agencies
Continue the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC)
Increase the number of students/staff participating in bicycle committee or
action groups to promote bicycle friendliness
26
Suggested Metrics:
Number of participants from bicycle-related organizations in meetings each
semester
Frequency of interaction with local planning agencies
Number of students/staff participating in bicycle advocacy groups
Objective 3: Contribute to ASU’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan
Suggested Strategies:
Include bicycle projects and plans in campus transportation/circulation plans
Educate the ASU community about how bicycling contributes to the goals of
ASU’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan
Suggested Metrics:
Amount of outreach to educate the community regarding how bicycling
contributes to ASU’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan
Objective 4: Pursue a transportation fee to be included in student fees
Suggested Strategies:
Educate students about what the fee is intended for and how it will benefit their
educational experience and bicycle resources
Approach USG to garner support for a transportation fee
Suggested Metrics:
Amount of outreach to educate students about the proposed transportation fee
and its benefits
27
Goal 4
Ensure that every member of the ASU community has an equal
opportunity to enjoy the benefits of bicycling.
Objective 1: Increase proportion of female bicyclists at all ASU campuses
Suggested Strategies:
Organize women-only bicycle rides for all skill levels
Offer women-only bicycle related classes
Encourage student bicycling organizations to create opportunities for women in
leadership roles
Increase police and security presence, especially in areas with late hours of
operation (e.g., libraries)
Add bicycle racks to safety escort service vans on campus
Suggested Metrics:
Number of women-only bicycle rides held
Number of women participating in women-only bicycle related classes
Number of women in leadership roles in student bicycling organizations
Number of added police or security patrols
Number of safety escort vans with bicycle racks
Number of women bicycle organizations or groups on campus
Objective 2: Ensure that any bicyclist can see themselves in our
communications
Suggested Strategies:
Ensure we use a variety of examples that represent all members of the ASU
community
Use language that relates to the people
Ensure that marketing strategies are up-to-date with target audience
Suggested Metrics:
Number of differing examples used and number of different groups represented
in communications
Assess the ease with which communications are received and understood
28
Appendix A
Data Collection and Outreach Process
This plan was created following an iterative process of stakeholder research, with each
campus requiring unique information-gathering techniques. Prior to conducting any
research, each campus group designed a “public participation plan” using a template
borrowed from the Portland Development Commission. To determine public interest
regarding bicycle-related issues, each campus group answered numerous questions
about its designated campus, assigning ordinal scores to each criterion. Averaging these
scores resulted in an overall score, which was then evaluated using a pre-defined scale.
The questions and scale used to determine each campus’s “public participation plan” are
shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively, and a chart of strategies selected for each
campus is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 1
29
Figure 2
Figure 3
TEMPE POLYTECHNIC DOWNTOWN WEST/THUNDERBIRD
Campus tour
Handlebar survey
In-person survey
Online survey
Focus group
Meeting with staff
Tabling event
Data collection and outreach strategies selected for each campus
30
Tempe Campus
Outreach Summary:
The ASU Tempe campus is the oldest and largest of our five campuses, and it also has
the most abundant bicycle infrastructure and activity. Because of the well-developed
bicycle culture and environment in Tempe, higher levels of public participation were
necessary. Our team engaged stakeholders on the Tempe campus through a survey and
public meeting in order to elicit various concerns and ideas.
Our student group held a public meeting on March 25, 2015, at 7 p.m. at the Tempe
campus Memorial Union. Participants responded to various questions regarding bicycle
issues on campus and helped identify specific problem areas.
An online survey was also distributed to collect information regarding students’
perceptions of bicycle issues on campus. Information was gathered from 133
respondents. It should be noted that approximately two-thirds of the respondents were
male.
Concerns:
A major concern expressed by numerous participants was the unsafe behaviors
exhibited by bicyclists and drivers on and around campus. Unsafe bicyclist behaviors
include, but are not limited to, riding on the sidewalk (with or against traffic), excessive
speed, inattention and lack of concern for other road users.
Congestion is a major concern on the Tempe campus, especially during peak hours. One
student even compared riding a bicycle on campus to “...navigating 1980s Beijing.” The
enormous amount of students traveling across campus between classes and at meal
times prompted the university to introduce “Walk-Only Zones” in fall 2013. These zones
prohibit the use of any wheeled vehicles from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
in an effort to reduce congestion and increase safety in heavily trafficked areas around
campus. With the introduction of Phase 1 and 2 of the initiative, ASU became one of
more than 25 universities around the country to implement such a program. The Walk-
Only Zones have been successful, but many bicyclists are frustrated that the zones
impede their daily campus routes. The ASU Master Plan, last updated in 2011,
recommended that bicycle paths or routes should be established simultaneously with
the implementation of the Walk-Only Zones.
31
On campus routes:
There is a network of bicycle-approved routes across campus. As seen in the ASU Tempe
bike map, there are shared road bicycle routes where bikes share campus roads with
motor vehicles, and shared paths in which bicycles share campus paths with pedestrians
and carts. Finally, there are a few bicycle lanes that are restricted to the major
thoroughfares that surround and cut through campus.
Parking on campus:
Bike docks and vertical racks are the primary bicycle parking infrastructure on the
Tempe campus. There are also two secured parking structures, with an additional one
scheduled, as well three staffed bicycle valet stations. Both of these higher security
structures aid in reducing on-campus theft.
Bicycle parking is perhaps the most important – and most basic – bicycle -related
amenity offered to campus users. A shortage of parking can inconvenience and frustrate
bicyclists, resulting in some students giving up on riding bicycles on campus altogether.
Thus, ASU needs to ensure that each campus provides adequate and reliable parking
options.
32
In 2001, ASU’s Tempe campus contained around 11,800 bicycle parking spaces, or
around 0.27 spaces per student. That 2001 study deemed this ratio to be low among
“bicycle-friendly universities” and recommended a space to student rat io of 0.35.
According to our student group’s survey, 68 of 133 respondents (54 percent) stated that
there is not enough parking on campus during peak hours on the Tempe campus. When
asked which areas needed additional parking, the following were the most common
responses:
1. Memorial Union
2. Coor Hall
3. Inside the Walk-Only Zones
4. Noble Library
Just as important as the number of parking spaces on campus is the quality of those
options. There is a wide variety of bicycle racks on the market, but many of them should
not be considered for implementation on campus, as they fail to meet certain
requirements. Many racks do not provide enough security; others are inefficient, bulky,
or otherwise aesthetically unappealing. Below is a guide that outlines the types of bicycle
racks that should and should not be considered by the university.
Currently, ASU is in the process of transforming its bicycle parking inventory. Most
racks on campus are “inverted-U” racks, but these are being replaced with bike docks
and vertical racks. Aside from the comb racks utilized by the bike valet stations, these
two styles will be the only two racks approved for use on campus. We have found that
these styles provide the most security and efficiency.
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Rack Types and Uses
Type of
Rack
Example
Benefits
Drawbacks
Approved for
use on
campus?
Inverted
U-Rack
Simple,
inexpensive
Still on campus,
no longer
approved for
new
installations
Wave
(Ribbon)
Rack
No
Bike Dock
Secure, easy
to lock
frame and
wheel
Yes
Grid
(Comb)
Rack
Only for bike
valet use
“Wheel
Bender”
Rack
...bends
wheel
No
Vertical
Rack
Most
efficient
design
Yes
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Safety:
Campus is heavily congested with:
o Cars
o Carts
o Pedestrians
o Buildings, landscaping, and infrastructure
According to surveys conducted through ASU’s “Trip Reduction Program,”
approximately 10 percent of student trips were bicycle trips from 2007 to 2013.
This number pales in comparison to the percentage of trips taken by single-occupant
vehicles, approximately 52 percent.
35
Problem areas:
University Drive deemed unsafe by many stakeholders
o Paving in poor condition
Walk-Only Zones inconvenient
o However, necessary to ease congestion and promote safety and well-being
Bike lanes on campus (mentioned in ASU Master Plan - in concordance with
Walk-Only Zones)
Bike parking on campus not sufficient during peak hours (slightly more than 50
percent of survey respondents agreed)
o Ensure variety in parking options (some find vertical racks difficult to use)
Bicycle Security
o More than 70 percent of survey respondents thought bicycle parking could
be more secure
Maintain bicycle amenities
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Downtown Phoenix Campus
Outreach Summary:
Research collection for the Downtown Phoenix campus began with two campus tours,
one headed by Assistant Dean of Students Ronald Briggs and the other headed by the
Public Safety Advisory Committee for the Downtown Phoenix campus.
Tabling events were held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 24, during which our student group
informed passing students of their intention to write this master plan, discussed with
them bicycle-related issues, and distributed surveys to those interested. Over the course
of those two days, 57 surveys were completed.
On March 4, each member of the student group conducted a “handlebar survey ,” a
comprehensive bicycle tour of the campus to assess its infrastructure and amenities for
bicyclists.
On March 30, we met with Bill McComas from “Phoenix Spokes People” to discuss
downtown’s bicycle culture, known issues around the ASU campus, our project
proposals, and the Phoenix Bicycle Master Plan proposals.
On April 6 and April 8, we met with Joseph Perez, a traffic engineer and bicycle
coordinator for the city of Phoenix, to discuss street conditions and potential city and
campus projects and developments.
Problem Areas:
Insufficient signage around all campus sections
Lack of education/knowledge of bicycle-related rules and amenities
o how and why to register their bicycles
o location of gated storage
o bicycle laws
Need for more integration of bicycle and transit networks
Bicycle storage could be more secure
Bicycle Co-Op lacks resources
Some bike racks are poorly lit, underutilized
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Polytechnic Campus
The campus malls throughout Polytechnic campus were designed to naturally separate
pedestrians from wheeled vehicles. Most of the thoroughfares throughout campus are
composed of two different materials. For pedestrians, gravel walkways are available
throughout much of the campus. These walkways are complemented by paved sidewalks
for wheeled vehicles, including maintenance carts, bicycles, skateboards and
wheelchairs. No signage is present to inform students of each route ’s intended use, but
instead is implied by the design. This passive design has been successful so far.
Outreach Summary:
Research collection for the Polytechnic campus began with a campus tour headed by
Deb Graham, parking/transportation manager for ASU Parking and Transit Services on
the Polytechnic campus. This tour was followed by a stakeholder meeting to garner
further input into the bicycle and pedestrian environment on campus. Our student
group met with the following people:
Julie Kipper - President of Sun Devil Fitness Complex (SDFC)
Ryan Olkes - President of the University Student Government
Jeff Vance - SDFC Wellness
Mustafa Demer - President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association
Our student group conducted two surveys to gather information regarding the bicycle
culture and perceptions on the Polytechnic campus. The first survey was conducted in-
person between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on March 2, 2015, and succeeded in gathering 100
responses. The second survey was conducted online, and 16 responses were submitted
between March 4 and March 24.
Problem Areas:
Insufficient signage around all campus sections
Lack of education/knowledge of bicycle-related rules and amenities
o how and why to register their bicycles
o bicycle laws
Some bike racks are poorly lit, underutilized
Bike theft is generally low, but on the rise
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West / Thunderbird Campuses
Outreach Summary:
On Feb. 23, a tabling event was held on the West campus in an effort to inform students
of our intent to create a bicycle master plan and to elicit feedback relevant to our project.
Although we did interact with a number of students, most were exchange students from
Peru with little knowledge of bicycle amenities and policies on campus.
On Feb. 25, our student group met with the following stakeholders to discuss bicycle-
related topics and growth strategies for West and Thunderbird campus:
Purab Adabala - City of Glendale Transportation Planner
Aaron Golub - ASU Tempe Professor
Donna Lewandowski - ASU Bicycle Program Manager
Chad Morgan - ASU West Director of SRC and Events
Crystal Shanahan - Thunderbird Director of Administrative Services
Cory Shapiro - ASU West Housing Director and NSO Director
Sean Wiseman - ASU West Director of Student Engagement
A summary of the discussion can be found in the Appendix. Following this meeting, our
student group participated in a handlebar survey, specifically assessing various routes
between the West and Thunderbird campuses.
West campus currently lacks any noticeable bicycle culture. Despite various scenic
bikeways in direct vicinity of the campus, student interest in bicycling seems extremely
low, evidenced by the small number of bicycles found on campus. Students and staff cite
a couple of reasons to explain the low bicycle usage. First, the relatively small campus
size renders bicycles unnecessary for many students who prefer to walk from class to
class. In addition, a large proportion of the student population not only lives off-
campus, but lives several miles from campus, making the bicycle an impractical
transportation option.
In January 2015, ASU finalized a deal with Thunderbird School of Global Management
in Glendale to merge the two institutions. For over 70 years, Thunderbird has been a
top-ranked global business school and attracts students from around the globe to pursue
undergraduate and graduate degrees in the Valley. This merger presents ASU with
unique challenges as it attempts to integrate the two campuses, in terms of curriculum
as well as student life. As details emerge regarding how the two campuses will be
utilized, it is important to consider the transportation options available to students to
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travel between campuses. It is possible that programs will be offered in which classes
are held at both campuses, in which case specified routes would be imperative.
However, even if students are not traveling between campuses for classes, they will most
certainly travel between them for other reasons. The Thunderbird campus lacks many of
the amenities that are available at the West campus, including the Sun Devil Fitness
Center, so students will almost certainly be moving between the two sites.
The Thunderbird campus lies about 2 miles northwest of ASU’s West campus on the
corner of West Greenway Road and 59th Avenue.
Problem Areas:
Berm on south edge of campus blocks access
How to encourage bicycling when students view it as unnecessary
Decrease cost (bike share, used bike sales)
Biking between ASU West and Thunderbird campuses unsafe
o Multiple routes suggested (Route 3 may be the best)
o Fence surrounding West campus makes connection more difficult